Ex-Gov Oshiomhole Backs ‘Restructuring’ Calls

The sustained agitations for Nigeria’s restructuring has continued to gain impetus.

One of such calls is from former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to consider a review of the revenue allocation formula in favour of state and local governments.

Oshiomhole made the call at a colloquium organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and tagged: ‘The Labour Movement and the Future of United Nigeria: What Role for Restructuring?’

“We are now 17 years in democracy and for over 18 years that formula has yet to be reviewed,” said the former governor.

“If resources are transferred to each of the 36 states of the federation, those who want to grow can continue to grow, those who want to sleep and go slowly, let them do so.

“Those who want to run as fast as lion should be allowed to run, that could lead to the competition that we should have.

“There are a lot of things we can do in the devolution of power and what I believe we must do is that, we can be mobilised to the National Assembly and tell our lawmakers what they must do as far as devolution of power is concerned,” Oshiomhole said.

In his contribution, NLC President, Ayuba Wabba noted that the agitations for restructuring have led to heated discussions particularly among the political elites.

Wabba said the “threats and counter threats” had prompted the convention to enable stakeholders address some issues.

“The discourse among the political elites in our country, in the last few months, has been so heated that suddenly, many of the elites involved in this debate have thrown caution, decency and decorum to the winds.

“Also, the threats and counter threats have grave consequences for our cooperate existence as a nation.

“We have also heard stringent calls for Nigeria to return to regions of the first republic, others called for remodel our federation along the Abacha era.

“Yet, others have called for a return of parliamentary form of democracy,” he said.